Keith Vickers, 22 Hampton Green, Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to the offences which happened in November 2011. Inspector Brendan Cadden outlined how, following a burglary at The Cottages, Downcarney, on November 21st, gardai approached two males, including the defendant. He admitted breaking into the premises in order to take copper. Damage amounting to €5,000 was caused during the break-in. On November 16th, at Copehill, Julianstown ,he entered a premises to take scrap. The back window of a house was broken and €1,000 damage caused. On the same date, the back door of another house was forced open and a copper cylinder stolen, with €2,500 damage. The court heard that the defendant had 23 previous convictions. Mr Paul Moore, solicitor, said his client, who had spent a period in custody, had a heroin addiction but was on a rehabilitation programme and had kept away from the company who was a brief mover in the offences. He had previously been found suitable for community service. The case was adjourned until June 7 for the preparation of a report.